Hi Friends!
 
We recently did some massive weed pulling in the DANA Garden and it is now imperative that we put weed block down before they come back.
 
We are planning a garden day to do just that Monday, July 26 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm.  I hope that many of you can spare some time to help us rejuvenate the garden and knock the weeds out.  APF has placed a very cool plaque in our garden identifying our organization and since we spend the money every year for the garden, we may as well maintain it.
 
Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to me asap.  I need to make sure we’re going to have enough participants for this big project.
 
Thanks so much!!  Have a great day!

Linsday Wiebrand
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by Michael McGrail

Join the Austin Museum of Art for a Bastille Day celebration this Wednesday June 14th from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. 823 Congress Avenue.

Immerse your self in an Austin style celebration, commemorating the French Revolution with Austin’s first Poodle parade, French music, culinary delights, wine, a Sidewalk café, and other surprises.

The Poodle parade route begins at 6:00 p.m. at St. David’s Episcopal Church (301 E 8th Street) and proceeds north on Trinity, west on 9th, south on Congress one block, and up to the Poodle Promenade at AMoA. Of course my poodle “Bently the Downtown Poodle” will be a participant.

Tickets to the AMoA Bastille Austin party in the AMOA Gallery are $10 for AMOA Members and $15 general admission. Join AMOA today and receive a free ticket benefits. Click here for more information!

DANA strongly encourages you to participate in this easy-to-use online forum to prioritize  Austin's 2011 budget needs. It's easy to register and vote here: (here) The online tool closes on Friday, July 9 at 5 p.m.
 
Specifically, we are asking you to vote for a dedicated downtown parks maintenance crew (here)
 
This proposal helps to restore staffing impacted by cuts in previous budget years and also helps all parks in Austin which suffer when crews get stretched thin. The downtown parks and historic squares are central to the civic pride of our community but they also get a heavier use that requires more frequent and dedicated attention to maintain. Lastly, this proposal allows DANA and its downtown partners to leverage private investment in capital improvements and programming that might otherwise dry up without that public commitment to baseline upkeep and maintenance. Please help us in supporting this priority for our city.
 
The forum provides allows you to vote on more than one priority, you might also consider the following security and social service initiatives:

• • Transitional Housing for Rehabilitation Program (here)
• • Social Services Investment Strategies--Homeless Services Continuum (here)
• • Add 35 New Police Officers (here)
•  

Hi Friends!
 
What a great way to start off your holiday weekend than to prepare and serve up some lunches for a few smiling faces?!?
 
Join myself and friends of DANA as we volunteer in the Caritas Community Kitchen.  Shifts are from 9am-11am and 11am-1pm.  Please let me know which shift you are able to attend.
 
Have friends that would like to help?!? Bring them along!  Just be sure they have on pants below the knee and close-toed shoes (see FAQ’s below).  The more hands we have helping the better!
 
Thanks for helping us make a difference in downtown.

Lindsay Wiebrand
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Caritas FAQ's

How do I get involved with DANA as a volunteer for Caritas?
Primary volunteer opportunities consist of working in the Community Kitchen once a month.  However, there will be periodic events throughout the year that will allow DANA members to become involved with Caritas –  food drives, special events, etc.

When does DANA volunteer at Caritas Community Kitchen?
DANA staffs the Community Kitchen on the 1st Friday of each month.Two shifts are offered from 9:00am11:00am and 11:00am1:00pm. Become a regular volunteer or just sign up for a Friday that is convenient for you.

How do I sign up to volunteer?
Contact Lindsay Wiebrand with your level ofinterest and availability so she can keep an accurate schedule and ensure the shifts are covered.

What should I wear?
Volunteers are typically on their feet for the duration of their shift.  Therefore, be sure to wear comfortable and closed-toe shoes. Aprons will be provided at Caritas upon arrival.

Where do I park?
Caritas is located at 611 Neches Street.  There are 2-hour parking meters on the street and a pay lot across from Caritas on Neches.

What can I expect when I volunteer?
Tasks in the Caritas kitchen vary, but usually involve lunch preparation, ongoing cleanup, and serving as many as 450 lunches.  The kitchen can get quite hectic, but the Caritas staff has developed processes and assemblies to keep things moving smoothly.

Who do I report to when I arrive for my volunteer shift?
When you walk in the front door to Caritas, there is typically a security guard or desk staff greeting visitors.  Let them know you are volunteering in the kitchen.  They will point you in the right direction.  When you get to the pantry/kitchen door, you will need to again let the staff member know that you are volunteering in the kitchen, and they will let you through the locked door. Once in the kitchen, be sure to sign in the guest book as a DANA volunteer.  The guest book is located in the kitchen staff’s office.  This is also where you may leave your belongings.

What is Caritas?
Caritas is our local Community Kitchen for the homeless.  www.caritasofaustin.org
Have more questions?  Email Lindsay at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it